On the heels of launching their new subsidiary, VOX Space, Virgin Orbit has just secured their very first Defense Department launch contract. As part of the Air Force's Defense Innovation Unit Experimental (DIUx) program, Virgin Orbit will provide a series of Space Test Program payloads with a ride to low-Earth orbit.

Virgin is quickly cashing in on the growing small satellite market. And this new DoD contract will certainly provide them with a steady funding stream to build up their capabilities and be competitive in general markets. Virgin wants to be a viable, affordable launch option for satellites of up to 661 lbs. They stand a very real chance of becoming the big contenders at that weight class.

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